Molly Ji: AAA Ice Hockey Athlete and Committed to D3 Ice Hockey at Hamilton College

1. How do you manage the demands of academics and athletics?What strategies do you use to maintain balance? 

“I try my best to finish all my homework and studying before I go to hockey. If I am unable to do that, I will do my schoolwork after practice. I try to focus on only one thing at a time instead of doing multiple things at once.”

2. How do you balance your social life with the demands of being a student-athlete?

“My priorities are being a student and a hockey player, but when I am done with those, I spend my time with my friends. Most of my friends are either teammates or classmates so I will spend time talking to them at practice or during class. I also try to make time to hangout with my friends during the weekend in between studying and practice.”

3. How do you think your mental health affects your performance in sports? Can you share an example? 

“When I am in my zone and locked in to play, I will play very well. If I am having a bad day, I try my best to still lock in for practice and games. I don’t want my off-ice feelings to affect my on-ice ability.”

4. How do you think your experiences as a student-athlete will shape your approach to mental health in the future?

“Having good mental health is very important for student-athletes since it will affect how I do my work and how well I play. Mental health will impact how motivated I am to do different activities.”

5. How do you plan to prioritize your mental health as you continue your athletic and academic journey?

“I have a healthy sleep schedule where I sleep for at least eight hours every day. I try to have a positive mindset and when I face an adversity, I try my best to overcome it as soon as possible instead of giving up.  Being successful at both my academics and ice hockey improves my mental health.”